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PRAISE and thanks were given to businesses in Portsmouth by the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE.

The Second Sea Lord is responsible for the delivery of the navy’s current and future personnel, equipment and infrastructure.

He gave a rousing speech at last night’s Business Excellence Awards at the Portsmouth Guildhall. He said: ‘Portsmouth is a city that is optimistic about its future and excited about the opportunities ahead. Portsmouth has become so much more than simply a Royal Navy town.’

He added: ‘A great Royal Navy relies on a great team and that’s what Portsmouth and the region means to us today. You are all part of team navy because you are from Portsmouth and together we have a truly great future ahead of us.’

He spoke of his pride at the growth of the dockyard with the return of the QE carriers.

Mr Woodcock said: ‘For the first time since the end of the First World War the Royal Navy is set to grow – in people, ships and most importantly in our ability to kill the enemy.’

He also spoke of his optimism around the University Technical College due to open at Hilsea, before he thanked Portsmouth businesses for their support.

‘Thank you to the businesses in Portsmouth for all you do to support the navy and to make this city such a welcoming home.’